April 2025: Statler Circuit Department Digest and Awards

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Kara Cunningham, a graduate student in the CEE department, has been awarded the 2025 American Water Works Association (AWWA) Five Under 35 Outstanding Young Professional Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize and honor young [under the age of 35] professional members of AWWA who have demonstrated outstanding service to their Section or Association through leadership and active participation in AWWA YP programs.

Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering

Ian Long, a mechanical engineering student, won the Space and Satellite Professionals International student competition in the category of Most Innovative and Original Project! Ian showcased his research on space robotics at the event held in Washington, D.C. 

Mining Engineering

Amy McBrayer, teaching assistant professor of the mining engineering department, received the 2025 Rossiter W. Raymond Memorial. This award recognizes the best paper published for young researchers in AIME's fields and is only awarded to a member of SME every 4th year.  

Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering

Ikponmwosa Iyegbekedo Bright, a graduate student in the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, earned top honors at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Pittsburgh Section and American Association of Drilling Engineers Joint Annual Pints and Posters Event.

Under the guidance of associate professor Ebrahim Fathi, Bright secured first place in the highly competitive student poster contest. His award-winning project, titled “Subsurface Analysis of an Enhanced Geothermal System in Morgantown, West Virginia: Designed to Produce 100,000 bbl/day of Hot Water for Surface Heating Applications,” was presented a panel of six industry experts.

His research focuses on the feasibility of using Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) to deliver more than 100,000 barrels per day of hot water at 180°F for surface heating applications on WVU’s Morgantown campus. The study highlights the potential of geothermal deep direct use as a sustainable energy solution in the Appalachian region.

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